Well, the post-NBA title honeymoon phase for Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks is officially over.
After averaging a double-double during the Knicks' title run just four short months ago, Towns assumed that contract extension negotiations this offseason would be stress-free. Not only was KAT a key figure throughout the Knicks' dominant run through the postseason, but he's also expressed that he's willing to take a discount.
Despite all of that, the Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns do not appear to be on anything resembling the same page, at least for the time being.
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"I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also values me," Towns told reporters ahead of the Knicks' preseason game in Philadelphia on Monday, according to The Athletic. "And none of those things are close to happening."
When asked if he believed he'd sign a contract extension before the start of the regular season, Towns bluntly stated, "It don't look good."
The former Kentucky star is under contract through the 2027-28 season, but became eligible for a four-year, $277 million extension in August.
According to the New York Post, the Knicks have offered the six-time All-Star a four-year deal worth approximately $200 million, and based on KAT's comments, he doesn't seem interested in signing a deal valued at $77 million less than he's eligible to receive.
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With its high payroll, the Knicks are up against the second apron, and with point guard Jalen Brunson becoming eligible for a max extension in 2028, one he'll presumably be offered, it puts pressure on New York management to find a way to keep the likes of Towns, Josh Hart, and others not only on the payroll, but happily on the books.
Right now, Towns would not fall into the happily employed category.
When asked if he believes he should be rewarded for helping lead the Knicks to a title last season, he did not mince words.
"No s–t Sherlock. I just won a championship," Towns said. "You’d think it was pretty easy. Unless you guys (reporters) think I have something else to prove."
Towns is eligible to sign an extension until June, and with the Knicks season not tipping off until October 20, time is still on their side to strike a deal, but it's clear the big man will need to see a larger dollar figure tossed his way in order to get things across the line.